Could Pushing Yourself Too Hard In Yoga Practice Be Holding You Back?

Do you ever feel like you’re pushing yourself so hard? You’re always going above and beyond hoping that this time, your hard work will finally be noticed.

I’ve always thought that to get anywhere in life, you had to go the extra mile, and work harder than the next person. But, I was totally wrong.

What fun is it to push yourself into situations that cause stress and anxiety? 

It’s not about doing extra work to impress people. It’s about doing the best you can because it brings you joy!

If you’re doing all of this extra work that you hate doing, people will notice that your heart’s not in it. No matter how much work – the energy just isn’t there. 

The one thing that always brings me joy is my yoga practice. It’s kind of comedic how I recreate my issues inside of my practice.

No matter what I’m doing, or how I’m feeling, I have this push through it attitude. So, without knowing it, I’m creating stress in my yoga practice! 

Have you done this too?

When I first started practicing, I would work so hard. My teacher had me practice the postures I struggled with three times, but I would do it five. If there was a posture I could usually do, but I had a day where I couldn’t do it, I would get so mad at myself.

I actually remember my teacher saying, “Monica, I can tell you’re frustrated. Move on.” 

We have this tendency to push ourselves so hard in life, and I see this in yoga too. 

Don’t get me wrong, yoga is all about going to the edge. Pushing yourself through the struggles. Not holding back. Getting over your fears. All of that uncomfortable stuff.

I LOVE that about yoga. Because of that, yoga has shown me that the impossible is possible

But, yoga is also about being kind to yourself. Accepting where you are. Being compassionate. And, preventing any known future pain. 

Last week, there was a day where I had a hard time making it to the mat. I was doing everything in my power to procrastinate. I kept telling myself that I would do it later.

I was really tired and weak. But, I didn’t listen to the excuses in my head. I made it happen.

My practice was slower. It wasn’t as deep as usual, and I was annoyed at myself for not working so hard. 

Why am I not floating in my jump backs? Why didn’t I grab my wrists in the Marichyasanas? I bent my legs in Navasana!

Then it occurred to me that maybe not working so hard that day was actually pushing the limit and the struggle itself?

When I looked deeper into it, I realized that my challenge was getting to the mat, and I made it no matter what! I found a way to make it work so I could do my practice even if it was lighter and looser than usual. 

My next challenge was accepting myself that day. I was feeling weak, and I was frustrated at myself for not working so hard. The struggle was actually being compassionate and allowing myself take it easy. 

So, maybe working through the struggles isn’t always about working so hard? It’s about letting go and finding balance.

This is what my practice has been trying to teach me about my life, my relationships, and my success. I wonder where I’d be without my practice?

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What are you misinterpreting in your practice? What struggles and challenges are you having in life where you could actually move forward by pulling back a little? Or, is your struggle the opposite?

Tell me in the comments at least one insight you took about your own practice from reading this post! 

TO OPEN HEARTS & HAPPY THOUGHTS,